Why is exercise good for your mental health?

It is often said that exercise is the best anti-depressant and I really didn’t know what that meant until I found myself suffering with major depression several years ago.

What I learned at the time was that the more often I moved my body, the better I felt emotionally. On the other hand, the more psychically still I became, the more depressed I felt.

I think exercise created three positives for me:

1. It got me outside into the fresh air
2. Getting my body moving created positive endorphins, which in turn helped me to feel happier
3. I felt better about myself when I exercised – I felt like I was taking care of myself, and these good feelings were my reward.

How do you feel after you’ve completed a workout or taken a walk in the fresh air?

Do you feel better about yourself? Do you feel more energised? Do you feel happier?

The next time you get your body moving, stay aware of your feelings and make a mental note. Notice how you feel when moving, when compared to lying around all day in bed or on the couch.

What did you see?